The Manufacturing Institute released a study examining 5G wireless connectivity and its potential impact on manufacturing, RT Insights reported. "5G is an important step beyond 4G," the study authors noted, and while manufacturers may initially use LTE for video streaming and real-time applications that don't require much latency, they expect LTE and 5G to coexist, "at least in Use the same private network for the next five years."

Dr. Shawn DuBravac of the Avrio Institute and his co-authors also point out that 5G technology could significantly exceed the capabilities of previous generations of wireless networks. These enhancements include higher system capacity, lower latency and enhanced device connectivity.

"5G could help realize the ideal of a modular factory, where machines can be rapidly reconfigured to optimize production," the report said. "It could facilitate the collection of data from dense sensor swarms at scales not previously possible. It will enable Enabling systems that automatically schedule maintenance or order consumable replacements to stop problems ensures minimal downtime.”

Here are three key applications where DuBravac and his co-authors believe 5G networks could benefit manufacturing:

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)

These device deployments help measure the efficiency of factory machines as well as any environmental issues that may affect operations, such as humidity and temperature, the report said. IIoT sensors can provide factory floor workers with real-time information about the health of their machines, which helps keep everyone safe. The IIoT can also alert manufacturers when machine parts need to be replaced, allowing them to be more proactive about repairs.

Safety and Security

Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of having a private 5G network is the number of connected devices that can operate on it. 5G gives manufacturers the opportunity to deploy high-definition video streaming from fixed cameras and even drones to help secure their facilities. Monitoring equipment can also alert employees when equipment malfunctions. Research has shown that the solution is more effective when combined with computer vision systems that view video in real-time and spot dangerous situations.

Self-Driving Cars and Robots

Self-driving cars are not new, but have yet to reach their full potential, the report said. Their ability to communicate with each other and other intelligent parts of the transportation network will help them realize this potential, but only through the use of technologies contained within the vehicle-to-everything (V2X) field. 5G will be a key factor in the improvement of self-driving cars, as the network can help guide robots and forklifts around factory floors using many of the same technologies as self-driving passenger cars.

"5G has the potential to enable advanced automation through a zero-touch approach," the report said. “From forklifts to drones to the warehouse shelves themselves, 5G will connect autonomous modes of transportation – all forms of transportation within the factory of the future can be connected to 5G networks.”

For more details, click here to view the full report: "How 5G Will Change the Manufacturing Landscape".